ESA PEDIA: Borrow vs. Lend

Hi fellas! ESA FKIP Universitas Riau is back with another exciting and helpful blog to boost your English knowledge! This time, we’re going to explore a pair of verbs that often confuse learners: “borrow” vs. “lend.” These two words are closely related and used in everyday situations—but mixing them up can lead to awkward sentences! So, stay with us as we break down the difference and show you how to use them like a pro!

What’s the Difference between Borrow and Lend?

At first glance, “borrow” and “lend” may seem like they mean the same thing—but they are actually opposites! Both refer to a temporary exchange of something, but the direction of the action is what sets them apart.

• Borrow means to take something temporarily from someone else, with the intention of returning it.
• Lend means to give something temporarily to someone else, expecting it to be returned.

Quick Tip:

• If the object is coming to you, use borrow.
• If the object is going from you to someone else, use lend.

Preposition Matters!

The prepositions we use with these verbs are important too:

• Borrow → from someone
• Lend → to someone

Let’s look at these examples:

A: Can I borrow a pen from you?

B: Sure, I’ll lend a pen to you.

Other Examples:

• I borrowed a dress from my sister.
• He lent his laptop to his classmate.
• Can I borrow your charger?
• I’ll lend you my umbrella.

Borrow = Bring It to Me

Use borrow when you are the one receiving the item. It emphasizes the act of taking something temporarily.

Examples of “borrow” in sentences:

• Can I borrow your pen for a moment?
• She needs to borrow a dress for the wedding.
• They borrowed money to renovate their home.

Lend = Let Someone Use Mine

Use lend when you are the one giving something to someone temporarily. It often suggests generosity or helpfulness.

Examples of “lend” in sentences:

• Could you lend me a hand with these boxes?
• The bank agreed to lend the company $1 million.
• I will lend you my car for the weekend.

Parts of Speech and Pronunciation

1. Borrow (verb): to take and use something that belongs to someone else with the intention of returning it.

• Part of speech: Verb
• Example: I wish to borrow your lawn mower to tidy up my yard.
• Pronunciation: /ˈbɒr.əʊ/ (British) or /ˈbɑːr.oʊ/ (American)

2. Lend (verb): to give something to someone for a short period, expecting it to be given back.

• Part of speech: Verb
• Example: He doesn’t lend his books to anyone.
• Pronunciation: /lend/

Both verbs describe a temporary exchange, and both expect that the item will be returned. So next time you’re in class or chatting with a friend, choose the right word and impress everyone with your clarity and confidence!

Keep practicing, and let these verbs make your English smoother and sharper! 💬✨

Source: 

• Grammarly